Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
(I show you how to turn dimensional constraints into properly styled, plottable di-
mensions in the next section.)
6. Repeat Steps 3-5 and add a dimensional constraint to the right vertical edge of
the rectangle.
AutoCAD draws a second dimensional constraint, this one named d2.
As you mouse over the Linear button, you can see that unlike its Aligned
neighbor, it's split into two parts. You can force a linear dimensional constraint to
be either horizontal or vertical (rather than dependent on the direction in which
you drag your crosshairs) by clicking the bottom part of the Linear button and
making your choice from the drop-down menu.
Figure 19-3: Placing a dimensional constraint.
Making your drawing even smarter
If this were a traditional mechanical drawing that followed the rules of drafting, those
two dimensions would be enough — whoever is reading your drawing understands that
if sides are parallel and perpendicular, a dimension on one side applies to the opposite
side as well. But in this chapter, I'm talking about intelligent drawings that respect design
intent, not dumb collections of lines and circles, even if they do follow the rules of draft-
ing!
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